Newcastle have NOT launched an ambitious bid to bring Alexandre Lacazette to Tyneside in a deal worth around £19 million, despite L'Equipe's earlier reports that a formal offer was made. It is understood that a delegation of officials from the Premier League club travelled to France to discuss a potential deal for the striker, though the signs aren't promising for Newcastle. Press Association Sport understands that, while the Magpies have a long-held interest in the player and are desperate to boost their striking options this month, he is simply not available at this time. Lacazette has bagged a respectable 57 goals in 154 league games for Lyon over the last five years, and has cemented his position as one of the most frightening prospects in Ligue 1, a hunting ground that Newcastle know very well, with varying degrees of success. Scout Graham Carr is well-known for his recruitment missions in France, securing deals for the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Mathieu Debuchy and Hatem Ben Arfa, so the Lacazette plans do make sense for the side with the third lowest goal tally in the Premier League, averaging less than one goal per game. Newcastle were previously quoted £16 million for his services, but once again, with Euro 2016 around the corner and Lacazette not guaranteed a place in the squad, moving from Lyon is seen as a risk.